Currently on a staff assignment and looking to set myself up for applying to a major airline with the next assignment. I'm looking at going back to a MAF operational unit or requesting to go instruct at the FTU (Schoolhouse). Operational unit locations are aligned with guard/reserve units I would like to join, but the FTU is deployment protected. I'll be 13 yrs in when I have the option to separate, including next PCS commitment.

Ultimate goal is landing a major airline. Would the FTU offer any brownie points on an airline app/interview? Other thoughts? I assume I would also risk catching a 6 month deployment at Ops Unit.

MWS Evaluator Pilot
2200+ Total Time / 900+ PIC

I don’t think it’ll affect your app one way or another, assuming your flight times would be similar and assuming you were an IP in both possible jobs. I’d go where I can fly more (if there’s a difference), but really I’d pick QOL if it’s similar and make a decision based off that. Sounds like you don’t want to deploy and you’d rather be protected at an FTU...so that’s what I’d do. You can still rush guard units. I’m assuming palace chase/front isn’t an option? Looks like you’re at least 2-3 years out. Lots of airline hiring between now and then of dudes who will forever be senior to you...if you could punch sooner and palace chase it might be a better option? Good luck.

Pay your penny and take your pick. Yes, IP time at the FTU would be helpful but if you intend to go guard or reserve after separation aligning yourself with a unit now would certainly be a plus. And it sort of depends on how many years out we are talking.

The big retirement wave at the Legacies will start in a couple years and peak about 2023. The numbers you have now would likely get you an offer after six months of knocking the rust off from your staff tour at a regional. Get the rust knocked off on another assignment and it’ll be even easier, but what’s that? Another three years?

Don’t suppose you are eligible for Palace Chase or similar?

Too much time left on the clock to realistically submit the palace chase package now. By the time I arrive at next assignment, I will have about 1 yr left on the pilot training commitment but will incur the typical 2 yrs for the move. Possible to palace chase at least 6 months early seems to be the going rate.

Based on what I’ve seen in my heavy community, having the FTU stink on you makes you pretty attractive to most guard/reserve units for the same MWS. Plus, at the FTU you’ll likely fly with/or at least meet many different folks from many of the different units out there as they roll through. I’ve seen several FTU dudes do exactly that and had great success doing so.

It seems we have a winner....

Thanks for the inputs! I hadn’t thought about how many guard/reserve units roll through the FTU

The deployment protection with AETC is huge. If you are at the operational unit to get more flight time, then get tagged for a 6-12 month keyboard ninja, non-flying job, you just lost a ton of flight hours. It's also a lot harder to prep for your exit when you are not at home.

FTU instructor would help your app greatly, especially since you are on the low side on hours for heavy guys. How much time is left on your current commitment? Are you currently attached to a unit and flying every once in a while?

Each answer changes the variables in the equation. If you are within a year or so, palace chase to the guard. They will requal you and you can build hours there. If your goal is getting on with one of the majors you have to get on as soon as you can. The difference between a 19 hire and a 22 hire will be drastic. Qol, career earnings and progression. Just my two cents.

FTU all the way. That’s how we yanked active duty talent when we went thru conversion and after. I’m sure units are eager to gain currency/proficiency experts to keep their old heads going and the new ones challenged. Literally stole them from the school house. Teach them / Train them / Keep them current and make all the great airline contacts. Willy Wonka Golden Ticket. Airline wise, the military applicant pool has been fed heavily upon since 2010-13 with so many waiting on the sidelines, so you are being sought after more than ever now as the numbers available have declined significantly.